Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) features a complex and engaging currency system that plays a central role in crafting, upgrading gear, and trading among players. Unlike traditional RPGs that use gold coins as universal currency, PoE 2 maintains the established Path of Exile practice of using various special items called orbs and other currency items as both money and crafting materials. These currencies drop from monsters, chests, bosses, and events, and each has a unique function in modifying or enhancing equipment.

The main categories of PoE 2 currency items include:

  • Orbs: These are the backbone of crafting and trading. Examples include Chaos Orbs (reroll rare item mods), Exalted Orbs (add a new mod to rare items), Regal Orbs (upgrade magic items to rare), Divine Orbs (re-roll numeric values on items), and Orb of Alchemy (upgrade normal items to rare). Each orb modifies gear in specific ways, making them valuable for both enhancing your character and as trade currency.
  • Socket Currencies: Items that alter sockets on gear, such as Jeweller’s Orbs and variations for increasing socket number or color.
  • Quality Currencies: Improve quality on items or gems, like Gemcutter’s Prism.
  • Essence and Catalyst Currencies: Affect item mods or add modifiers tied to essences and catalysts, adding crafting depth.
  • Special and Rare Items: Such as Mirror of Kalandra, which can create exact duplicates of items, often the rarest and most valuable.

A new addition in PoE 2 is the introduction of Gold Coins used exclusively for NPC transactions (e.g., buying potions or vendor items). Unlike the orbs, gold coins do not trade between players, designed to prevent market manipulation and preserve the orbs as the true player-to-player economy currency.

In sum, PoE 2’s currency system emphasizes orbs and special crafting items as both the medium of trade and the tools for gear enhancement, continuing a unique player-driven economy dynamic. Understanding and mastering the various currency types is crucial for progressing and thriving in Wraeclast’s dangerous world.

This currency design helps maintain a vibrant economy and offers players meaningful ways to improve gear while trading valuable crafting items, rather than relying solely on a single money type.